John Calvin Presbyterian Church

 

 

 

PRELUDE We Pray Now to the Holy Spirit   arr. Dietrich Buxtehude  

 

praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unchanging love!

2 Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come;

and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;

he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.

3 O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!

Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;

here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

 

WORDS OF WELCOME 

ADORATION   

CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 43:1

ONE: Do not fear, for the Lord has spoken:

MANY: I have called you by name; you are mine.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Holy God,

you sent your Son to be baptized among sinners, to seek and save the lost. May we, who have been baptized in his name,

HYMN [GTG#498] Loaves Were Broken, Words Were Spoken

1 Loaves were broken, words were spoken

by the Galilean shore. Jesus, Bread of Life from heaven,

was their food forevermore.

Chorus:

By your body broken for us,

by your wine of life outpoured,

Jesus, feed again your people.

Be our Host, our Life, our Lord.

2 Loaves were broken, words were spoken

in a quiet room one night.In the bread and wine 

you gave them, Christ, you came as Light from Light. Chorus

3 Loaves are broken, words are spoken,

as in faith we gather here. Jesus speaks across the ages:

“I am with you; do not fear!” Chorus

4 By the loaves you break and give us,

send us in your name to share bread for which 

the millions hunger, words that tell your love and care. Chorus

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION 

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Merciful God,

In baptism you promise forgiveness and new life, making us part of the body of Christ. We confess that we remain preoccupied with ourselves, separated from one another. We cling to destructive habits, hold grudges, and show reluctance to welcome one another.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON 

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]  

                                                                

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                       Isaiah 43:1-7         

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

2nd SCRIPTURE                                                    Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

                          

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         Apostles’ Creed 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY   Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word    arr. J.S. Bach

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORD’S PRAYER 

HYMN [GTG#547] Go, My Children, with My Blessing

1 Go, my children, with my blessing, never alone.

Waking, sleeping, I am with you, you are my own.

In my love’s baptismal river I have made you mine forever.

Go, my children, with my blessing, you are my own.

2 Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.

Here you learned how much I love you, what I can cure.

Here you heard my dear Son’s story; here you touched him,  saw his glory. Go, my children, sins forgiven, at peace and pure.

3 Go, my children, fed and nourished, closer to me.

Grow in love and love by serving, joyful and free.

Here my Spirit’s power filled you; here my tender comfort stilled you.

Go, my children,  fed and nourished, joyful and free.

PARTING PRAYER 

O God Almighty,

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: Grant us, we pray, to be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming down of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. That which we know not, reveal; that which is wanting in us, fill up; that which we know, confirm; and keep us blameless in your service; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Election of Elders

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#700] I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me

1 I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

I’m gonna live so God can use me anywhere, Lord, anytime!

POSTLUDE        Trumpet Tune    arr. Dennis Janzer

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

 

 

 

 

 

SERMON                       “Epiphany!”                 Elder Sharon Fortin

 

 

CELEBRATION of the LORD’S SUPPER

ONE: The Lord be with you.

MANY: And also with you.

ONE: Lift up your hearts.

MANY: We lift them up to the Lord.

ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise. 

ONE: …who forever sing to the glory of your name:

MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.  Amen

ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.

MANY: Thanks be to God.

HYMN [GTG#154] Jesus Entered Egypt

1 Jesus entered Egypt fleeing Herod’s hand,

living as an alien in a foreign land.

Far from home and country with his family,

was there room and welcome for this refugee?

2 Jesus was a migrant living as a guest

with the friends and strangers who could offer rest.

Do we hold wealth lightly so that we can share

shelter with the homeless, and abundant care?

3 Jesus crosses borders with the wandering poor,

searching for a refuge, for an open door.

Do our words and actions answer Jesus’ plea:

PARTING PRAYER

God of all who wander,

We have come through many deserts; we have endured them all. And now we see the Light that the Holy Child sheds upon our path. We worship him, offering the treasure of our hearts. God, be our guiding light. Dispel all darkness, and let the good news shine in our lives in word and deed. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#137] He Came Down

     1 He came down that we may have love;

he came down that we may have love;

he came down that we may have love;

hallelujah forevermore. 

POSTLUDE            He Came Down Reprise   arr. John L. Bell                       

**Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. The Prayer of Confession is reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, copyright 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.”

STAFF

 

 

 

1st SCRIPTURE                                                      Isaiah 52:7-10  

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

SCRIPTURE                                                         John 1:1-18                           

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

(John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON   “He Came Down”  Rev. Jan Condren

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Some Children See Him”  by Alfred Burt

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below.

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen  

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

 THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

HYMN [*Blue #29][GTG#136]  Joy to the World, vv. 1-3

1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king;

let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,

and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ,

while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy,

repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

3 No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;

he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found,

far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.

PARTING PRAYER  

As we leave worship this day, Holy God, teach us to know this world as a place blessed by Christ’s birth. Help us to be strong witnesses to your glorious reign of peace and love. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [*Blue #29][GTG#134] Joy to the World, v. 4

4 He rules the world with truth and grace,

and makes the nations prove

the glories of his righteousness

and wonders of his love,

and wonders of his love,

and wonders, wonders of his love.

POSTLUDE    “Go Tell It on the Mountain”                            

**Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. ThePrayer of Confession is reprinted by permission from The Worship Sourcebook, copyright 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.”

STAFF

PRELUDE Away in a Manger                           arr. Dave Brubeck

 

ALL: Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all people!

LIGHTING of the ADVENT CANDLES

Christmas Eve Reading by Sue Crawford, Andrew Crawford, Holly Crawford, Scott Crawford, Elizabeth Watt, Andy Watt, Madeline Watt, and Evangeline Watt.

OFFERTORY               The Joy Gift Offering

                      Let There Be Christmas   arr. Joseph Martin        

                          Feat. Sharon Fortin & Ron Palmisano

DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

CHRISTMAS LESSONS

The Prophecy Micah 5:2-4                          Dale Casey      

    “In the Bleak Midwinter”                                   Alice Hull, Soloist

 The Foretelling                         Isaiah 9:2-7                         Norman Albright

The Pronouncement                Luke 1:26-35                       Denis McCrea 

   Poem: “Sing Peace”    Jaroslav Vajda

The Gospel of Christmas                               Luke 2:1-14            Raju Thomas 

   Poem: “A Cradle Song”   Padraic Colum                                                    

The Message of Christmas                             John 1:1-4, 14         Suzanne Wooderson

THE MEDITATION

“So Hallowed is the Time”                                                                   Rev. Robert E. Malsbary

THE LIGHTING of the CHRIST CANDLE

THE CHRISTMAS PRAYER  

Hymn [Blue#60, GTG#122] Silent Night          Lighting of the candles

POEM:

“Christmas Eve”  by David Adam

“I open the stable door,

I kneel before the infant.

I worship with the shepherds.

I adore the Christ child.

I ponder the Word made flesh.

I absorb the love of God.

I sing Glory with the angels.

I offer my gifts with the Magi.

I have come from lands afar.

I receive the living Lord.

I hold him in my hands.

I go on my way rejoicing.

Glorifying and praising God.”

THE BENEDICTION

Hymn [Blue#40, GTG#134] Joy to the World!

 

 

 

 

 

1. Love has come: a light in the darkness!

Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.

See, all heaven has come to proclaim it; Hear how their song of joy arises:

Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior!

Love! Love! Glory to God on high.

2. Love is born! Come, share in the wonder.

Love is God now asleep in the hay. See the glow in the eyes 

of his mother; What is the name her heart is saying?

Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers.

Love! Love! Jesus, Emmanuel.

3. Love has come and never will leave us!

Love is life everlasting and free. Love is Jesus within and among us.

Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.

Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas.

WORDS OF WELCOME

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

Call to Worship Isaiah 9:6-7

ONE: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

MANY: His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE (Jeremy, Adris, and Brock Moore)

1st PERSON: Introduction of the Advent Day 

2nd PERSON: Lighting of the Candle

[Light the Candle] 

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

HYMN  [GTG#84]      Creator of the Stars of Night

1. Creator of the stars of night, your people’s everlasting light,

O Christ, redeemer of us all, we pray you, hear us when we call. 

2. When this old world drew on toward night, you came; but not in 

splendor bright, not as a monarch, but the child

of Mary, blameless mother mild.

3. At your great name, O Jesus, now all knees must bend, 

all hearts must bow: all things on earth with one accord,

like those in heaven, shall call you Lord.

4. To God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, 

Three in One, praise, honor, might, and glory be

from age to age eternally. Amen.

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of the future,

you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, and refuse your justice and peace.

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, 

and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                    

*GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581] 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                                        Philippians 4: 4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                           Luke 2: 1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON        “The Lord is at Hand!”         CP Ford Dieth 

 THE WORD MADE FLESH   

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             Apostle’s Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,  and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY 

*DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN [Blue ] [GTG#314] Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness

1 Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you.

Make us your own, your holy people, light for the world to see.

 

Chorus

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

2 Longing for peace, our world is troubled.

Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has power 

to save us. Make us your living voice. Chorus

3 Longing for food, many are hungry. Longing for water, many still thirst.

Make us your bread, broken for others, shared until all are fed. Chorus

4 Longing for shelter, many are homeless.

Longing for warmth, many are cold.

Make us your building, sheltering others, walls made of living stone. Chorus

5 Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn 

to belong.

PARTING PRAYER

God of grace,

Your eternal Word took flesh among us when Mary placed her life at the service of your will. Prepare our hearts for his coming again; keep us steadfast in hope and faithful in service, that we may receive the coming of his Kingdom for the sake of Jesus Christ, the ruler of all, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*RESPONSE [GTG#654] In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful

In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful; in the Lord I will rejoice!

Look to God; do not be afraid.

Lift up your voices, the Lord is near.

Lift up your voices; the Lord is near.

POSTLUDE    Of the Father’s Love Begotten                  

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.